Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant
Job overview
Vacancy: Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant
The Opossum Federation is seeking a dedicated and resilient individual to join the founding team of a brand-new Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Thorpe Hall Primary School. This is a pivotal initiative designed to provide high-quality, specialised support for pupils with complex needs, with plans to expand the provision to 10 places.
Role Overview
Workplace: Thorpe Hall Primary School, Walthamstow.
Salary: Scale 4 Points 7-11 (Outer London). £30,288 - £32,070 FTE (£26,059.07 - £27,592.26 Pro rata).
Contract: Permanent, 36 hours per week, 44.86 weeks per year.
Start Date: September 2026.
Key Responsibilities
As a key member of this new setting, you will work closely with the Lead Teacher and federation leaders to:
Support & Implementation: Prepare and deliver specialized learning support tailored to pupils with complex SEMH needs and assist in assessing small-step progress.
Behavioral Support: Implement school policies using trauma-informed practice and positive behavior approaches.
Pupil Integration: Support the review of EHCP targets and the reintegration of pupils into mainstream education.
Collaboration: Liaise with families and external professionals (such as CAMHS and EPS) to provide holistic support.
Candidate Requirements
The Opossum Federation is looking for candidates who possess:
Qualifications: A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) and appropriate first aid training.
Experience: Relevant experience in a Primary or Early Years setting. Experience in specialized SEND settings or with SEMH needs is highly desirable.
Knowledge: An understanding of the SEN Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and various therapeutic interventions.
Personal Attributes: Resilience, effective communication skills, and a commitment to promoting high standards of behavior and inclusive education.
Why Join the Opossum Federation?
Supportive Culture: Benefit from a tailored CPD program, a comprehensive induction for new staff, and a strong focus on staff well-being and workload reduction.
Proven Excellence: Join a family of schools where two are rated 'Outstanding' and two are rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
Modern Resources: Work in a well-resourced environment featuring Google for Education integration and dedicated staff devices.
How to Apply
Application Method: Download an application pack from any Opossum Federation school website.
Submission: Send completed applications to hr@opossumed.org.
Closing Date: Sunday 10 May 2026.
Interviews: Scheduled for the week commencing 18 May 2026.
Safeguarding Note: All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references. Candidates must submit a self-disclosure form with their application.
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: - Promoting equality of opportunity - Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage - Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. - Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy
How to apply
Email address for return of applications hr@opossumed.org